On Your Kindle

I’m intrigued by expressions, so I’ve put this book on my to-read list. Want to know the origin of the phrase “it’s all Greek to me?” Or why something can be called an “Annie Oakley?” This breezy book will whet your appetite for fun historical facts and figures.

On Your Smartphone

With the ongoing coverage of the George Zimmerman trial, one witness’ use of the term “cracker” in testimony has been the subject of debate. What—or who—is a cracker? Usually applied to white Southerners, the word’s meaning is controversial. Is the term a racial slur? Or a point of cultural pride? On NPR’s Code Switch series, devoted to issues of race and culture, several historians weigh in.

On a Podcast

This Lexicon Valley episode, part of a radio series focused on speech and language, features Melissa Mohr, author of Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing, on the subject of profanity. What makes a four-letter word so forbidden? Find out when you listen to Mohr’s podcast with Slate’s Mike Vuolo.

Old School

Years ago, someone gave me a copy of this fun and fascinating book of lost words and their meanings as a gift, and I pick it up whenever I want a little something amusing and surprising to read. But there’s one problem: Once you’ve learned arcane words like clapperclaw, unky, and snirtle, you’ll want to start using them. Try working them into conversation—I dare you!

About The Author

Hope Bordeaux is a librarian and writer who blogs about yoga, books, and creativity at hopebordeaux.com. She is also a Book Guru for Where is My Guru and her writing has appeared online in Treehouse, AdiosBarbie, and It's All Yoga, Baby.